A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salto vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salto or San Juan del Sur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or San Juan del Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Salto or San Juan del Sur?

Salto

Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Salto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $71, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Salto and San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salto $30
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salto $60
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Salto and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Salto or San Juan del Sur? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Salto


Hotels in San Juan del Sur


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salto Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salto $22
    San Juan del Sur $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and Salto change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Salto $25
    San Juan del Sur $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salto $18
    San Juan del Sur $15

Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur

Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salto $13
    San Juan del Sur $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Salto is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salto is in South America and San Juan del Sur is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Salto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salto than you might in San Juan del Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salto Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salto or San Juan del Sur?

Salto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Salto and San Juan del Sur, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Salto or San Juan del Sur?

Salto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Salto or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?

Both San Juan del Sur and Salto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Salto is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Surin July. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Salto gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Salto. In January, Salto usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin July. Salto gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Salto 25°C (77°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salto or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?

Both San Juan del Sur and Salto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

Salto is cooler than San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salto averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Surin October. Salto gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.

San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salto. Salto usually gets less rain in April than San Juan del Surin October. Salto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Salto 19°C (65°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Salto or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salto and San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Salto is much colder than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salto in July average around 12°C (54°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. Salto usually receives less sunshine than San Juan del Sur during winter. Salto gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Salto usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin January. Salto gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Salto 12°C (54°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Salto or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salto as well as San Juan del Sur. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

In October, Salto is generally much colder than San Juan del Surin April. Daily temperatures in Salto average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salto this time of the year. In the spring, Salto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Surin April. Salto gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.

Salto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salto usually gets more rain in October than San Juan del Surin April. Salto gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Salto 18°C (64°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Salto

Salto San Juan del Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 127 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 20°C (69°F) 127 mm (5 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)